 "Lionel Messi reacts for the first time to his lack of English speaking skill: 'You feel kind of ignorant'")
Football legend Lionel Messi has opened up about something very personal. Even though he is one of the most famous and successful athletes in the world, Messi admitted that not being able to speak English fluently has made him feel “ignorant” at times, especially when he is with global personalities.
The Inter Miami star shared his feelings during a podcast appearance with Argentine goalkeeper Nahuel Guzman on YouTube. Speaking to his former teammate, Messi said he regrets not focusing more on his studies when he was younger, especially learning English.
Messi revealed that he studied only until high school before fully dedicating his life to football. He started his journey with Newell’s Old Boys and later made his historic move to FC Barcelona, where he became one of the greatest players in history before leaving in 2021.
Messi on not learning English
Now playing in Major League Soccer (MLS) with Inter Miami, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is often surrounded by international players, business leaders and global celebrities. Messi said that he sometimes regrets not knowing English when he is in such situations. This is the first time he has acknowledged this publicly.
“In my last year in Argentina, since I knew I was leaving, I didn’t do anything. I regret so many things - I tell my kids this. Having a good education, studying, and being prepared,” Messi was quoted as saying in the Miro de Atrás podcast.
“Not having learned English as a kid. I had the time to study at least English and I didn’t do it and I regret it a lot. Later, I found myself in situations where I was with incredible, amazing personalities, and I could have had a conversation with them but instead you feel kind of ignorant,” Messi added.
Messi has always chosen to speak in Spanish and kept a low profile amongst people who don’t understand the language. He recently visited India for a fan tour and was seen delivering speeches to tens of hundreds of Indians in Spanish, with a translator translating in English. His interaction with Indian politicians and celebrities was also minimal since he couldn’t speak English.
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